Division of Population Health

But improvement on the remaining Healthy People 2020 targets is needed
• Flu vaccine in past year (66.9% vs. goal of 90%).
• Ever had pneumonia vaccine (68.1% vs. goal of 90%).
• Up to date on select preventive services (49.0% vs. goal of 50.9% for men; 49.0% vs. goal of
52.7% for women).
The State-by-State Report Card on Healthy Aging ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia
(DC) for each health indicator. Variation among states can be significant. For example, in Utah and
Connecticut, 70.9% of older adults have retained most of their natural teeth (i.e., lost five or fewer
teeth), whereas in West Virginia, this is true for only 33.4% of older adults.
Most states are well ahead of schedule on four health indicators for older adults.
• Obesity
• Taking medications for high blood pressure
• Mammography within past 2 years
• Current smoking
50 states and DC met the 2020 target.
50 states and DC met the 2020 target.
50 states and DC met the 2020 target.
49 states and DC met the 2020 target.
However, all states have significant work to do on other indicators for older adults.
• Flu vaccine in past year
• Ever had pneumonia vaccine
Opportunities for Enhancing Quality of Life
0 states met the 2020 target.
0 states met the 2020 target.
The State of Aging and Health in America 2013 focuses on several areas of concern that, if effectively
addressed, will significantly improve the quality of life for older adults.
Mobility
Mobility is fundamental to everyday life and central to an understanding of health and well-being among
older populations. Impaired mobility is associated with a variety of adverse health outcomes. As the age
of the U.S. population continues to increase, aging and public health professionals have a role to play
in improving mobility for older adults. There are critical gaps in the assessment and measurement of
mobility among older adults who live in the community, particularly those who have physical disabilities
or cognitive impairments. By changing physical environments and creating unique integrated interventions
across various disciplines, we can improve mobility for older adults.
Innovative Approaches
Many states and communities have developed innovative ways to ensure that key information about the
health of older adults is available to those who need it to plan programs, set priorities, and track trends. In
response to the growing need for supportive communities that enhance mobility, this report highlights the
efforts of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s (ARC’s) Area Agency on Aging and Hendersonville, N.C. ARC
is creating a broad plan to transform neighborhoods, cities, and counties into places where people of all
ages can live and Hendersonville has implemented the Walk Wise, Drive Smart program.
The State of Aging and Health in America 2013 highlights the need to maintain the progress made on
several health indicators and increase our efforts to address other important health issues. This report
shows that the key to improving the health and quality of life for all older adults living in the United
States will be collaboration between multiple and diverse groups on national, state, and local levels. These
groups will include the public, health care providers, government agencies, and community organizations.
The State of Aging and Health in America 2013
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